If you've messed around with iTunes 11 in default view, you'll notice that creating a playlist has changed. If you have the sidebar turned on to make iTunes 11 look like earlier versions, creating a playlist remains the same. But, if you have the sidebar turned off, you have the chance to use a dedicated area of iTunes just for making playlists.
To take advantage of it, turn off your sidebar (Option+Command+S or View>Hide Sidebar). Along the top bar of iTunes, you'll see a new playlist option. Select this.
You'll move into a dedicated playlist window
